A new range of rugged, low-profile, true surface-mount telephone sockets for use in compact modems and other telecoms and datacoms equipment has been launched by GTK - the manufacturer of high quality, low cost interconnection components. More, in common with all new connectors from GTK, the MTC sockets are RoHS-compliant, yet are around 20% cheaper than existing SMT telephone sockets.

Unlike first-generation SMT telephone connectors, GTK's new MTC sockets incorporate an extra solder point on either side to ensure secure mounting to the PCB over the lifetime of the modem. Housed in high-temperature NT-46 UL 94V-0 plastic, the sockets are tolerant to the thermal stresses incurred during infrared soldering.

MTC sockets are available in three different formats: RJ11 with four contacts, RJ12 with six, and RJ45 with eight contacts and a slightly larger footprint. Five gold plating options can be specified for the contacts, depending on the projected number of mating cycles over the lifetime of the component.